Warning on river safety after man dies in Avon fall

A warning about river safety as the hot weather continues has been issued after the death of a man in the River Avon.

Emergency services rescued a man from the water on Sunday July 1 in Bath city centre.

Sadly the next day the police announced he had died.

The circumstances of his death are not yet fully clear.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary said on Monday July 2, that the deceased fell into the river, before he was pulled out and treated by paramedics at the scene.

Speaking on Sunday though, an incident manager for the police force said a man was seen on the edge of a bridge in the Broad Quay area shouting and drawing attention to himself.

The Canal and River Trust had a message of sympathy to those who knew the man who died and passed on practical general safety tips during the ongoing hot weather, especially for those visiting rivers or canals.

“We are shocked and greatly saddened to learn of this tragic death and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the man that tragically died after entering the River Avon at the weekend,” a statement said.

Three things are particularly dangerous for those jumping or falling into a river, the Trust added.

Due to the water often being murky it can be hard to tell:

n The depth of the water

n The cold temperature of the water

n If there are any obstacles in the water

The Trust said: “On a hot summer day our canals and rivers can look really inviting but our advice is to not enter the water.

“The water is often murky and much colder than you realize even on the hottest of days.

“There can also be obstacles in the water and it may also be much deeper than you realise.

“We’re asking people to find another way to cool off this summer - have an ice cream, stay in the shade, go for a swim in your local pool but please don’t get in the water.”

We’re asking people to find another way to cool off this summer